By Bagehot
DURING the 1960 primary campaign in West Virginia, it is claimed, John F Kennedy liked to use a joke to ward off charges of using his wealthy father’s fortune to outspend rivals. When taxed with being the rich outsider, he would reportedly tell crowds: “I have just received the following telegram from my generous father: ‘Dear Jack: Don’t buy a single vote more than is necessary. I’ll help you win this election, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.'”
